"Best Yet" Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, vegetables, and beans, perfect for satisfying cravings and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and onions in a skillet.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients, smashing the tomatoes as needed.
- Simmer the chili for 20 minutes.
- For best flavor, serve the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some diced jalapeños for heat. If you're out of chili beans, you can substitute with black beans or kidney beans. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your spice preference. For added texture, you could also include corn or bell peppers, similar to what you'd find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or some warm garlic bread. This dish also makes a great filling for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Best Yet" Chili contains roughly 637 calories, with 34g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (150% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2364mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this chili to be vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein. Additionally, ensure that the beans and tomato products are free from any animal-derived ingredients to keep it completely plant-based.
How can I thicken my chili?
If you find your chili too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina can help thicken the chili while adding a nice flavor. You can also blend a portion of the chili and return it to the pot.
Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).